Shelby Perry’s life changed dramatically after a snowboarding accident four years ago, resulting in the loss of her left eye. It was a sudden, traumatic event that thrust her into a world she knew nothing about. “I didn’t know anything about prosthetic eyes,” Shelby recalls. A couple of months after the injury, she had her eye removed and began the process of getting a prosthetic. As she navigated this new reality, she sought support online, hoping to connect with others who had experienced similar losses.
From Social Media to a Thriving Community
Shelby’s initial social media post looking for support resonated with many, and she quickly realized she was not alone. The post gained traction, with numerous people reaching out to share their own experiences. This response inspired Shelby to start a blog, Eyehesive.com, where she began documenting her journey and sharing stories from others who had lost an eye. The blog took off, and over time, Shelby shared more than 100 community stories, creating a safe space for people to connect and support one another.
Seeing a gap in the resources available for people dealing with vision loss, Shelby took her efforts a step further. In October 2022, she hosted her first virtual conference, bringing speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and insights. The conference was a success, and it has since become an annual event featuring a mix of ocularists, optometrists, and community members. “We started with six speakers in the first year,” Shelby says, “but it felt like a long day, so we’ve since pared it down to four, focusing on quality and engagement.”
Expanding Support Through Memberships and Coaching
Shelby noticed a growing demand for more frequent connections and support. In response, she launched monthly virtual meetups and established a membership program in February 2024. This program provides a space for individuals to seek advice, share stories, and receive guidance at different stages of their journey. Recognizing the need for tailored support, she also created a “Parents Edition” membership in July 2024, specifically for parents raising children with vision loss. Shelby collaborates with another woman, Summer, who leads this edition, while Shelby manages the backend. They have already welcomed 11 members and continue to see growing interest.
The membership programs have been a hit, with Shelby receiving many inquiries every time she posts about them. She has also started offering one-on-one coaching for individuals who want personalized support. “The coaching and mentorship aspect has become one of my favorite parts,” Shelby shares. “It’s not what everyone will want to do, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to help others navigate their experiences.”
Building a Brand and Giving Back
Beyond her community-building efforts, Shelby is working on creating products to serve the needs of people with vision loss. Her ultimate goal is to launch a stylish, adult-friendly adhesive eye patch line. “When I was using them, the options online were very kid-oriented or just not very cool,” Shelby explains. “I want to offer something with a cooler vibe for adults.”
Shelby is also involved with The Fun Eye Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps people access prosthetic eyes. Being on the board of this charity has allowed her to give back meaningfully, furthering her commitment to supporting others in the vision loss community.
Living in San Diego, Shelby has shared her story through local media, including a feature in the San Diego Union-Tribune. The exposure has helped her reach a broader audience and expand her impact. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “This has been the most healing experience for my vision loss, more than I could have imagined. I just wanted to find one person to connect with, but I ended up building a whole community.”
For Shelby, creating Eyehesive.com and fostering this supportive network has been a way to reclaim her power. “I couldn’t control losing my eye,” she admits, “but I had control over sharing my story and what I was going to do about it.” Through her work, Shelby has turned a deeply personal loss into an empowering movement, helping countless others feel seen, supported, and understood.
A Practice Built on Trust and Expertise
Emma’s practice is well-positioned in Greensboro, offering a central location for her widespread patient base. While some patients travel long distances, they do so because of the trust and care she provides. Prosthetic eyes are low maintenance; they do not need to be removed daily, and Emma offers follow-up appointments every six months to a year for cleaning and adjustments. Over time, as the socket changes or the material breaks down, patients may need a new prosthesis every five to seven years.
For Emma Boyd, ocularistry is more than just a profession—it’s a blend of family tradition, artistic expression, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for her patients. Her dedication and skill have made her a respected figure in the field, carrying forward the family legacy with a modern, patient-focused approach.